Isuzu Motors Limited has its headquarters in Japan and is known for their light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles. Isuzu also builds utility vehicles and diesel engines. The company sells over 6 lakh units worldwide each year. Isuzu Motors India Private Limited (IMI) is a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan and came into being in August 2012.
Our exclusive spy shot of the Isuzu D-MAX being tested in India.
The Isuzu D-MAX is one of the backbones of the company, especially in India. Knowing the importance of the pickup in our country, Isuzu India has launched two new variants of the D-MAX. There is the Isuzu D-MAX Single Cab Flat Deck variant which is now offered with an air-conditioning system. This feature will turn out to be a great deal of help for those who use this vehicle in hot weather, something that isn’t uncommon in many parts of India. The other new D-MAX added to the existing range is the Cab-Chassis variant.
The Isuzu D-MAX Single Cab Flat Deck variant and the Cab-Chassis variant come powered by a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. This engine comes paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Max power is 136 PS at 3600 rpm and peak torque of 294 Nm is produced between 1800-3200 rpm. Both the variants can haul a maximum of 1.2 tonnes. The D-MAX Cab-Chassis has been extended by 1.5 feet behind the B-pillar, which can be used to store valuable/fragile items. Also, both the new variants get an ARAI rated fuel economy figure of 13.23 km/l. The D-MAX Cab-Chassis is built to haul food & catering items, perishables, hardware etc.
The Single Cab Flat Deck variant shown. There’s now an A/C variant as well.
According to Isuzu India, the D-MAX is highly suitable for cold-chain applications. Mr. Naohiro Yamaguchi, Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India said, “With the roll-out of these new Isuzu D-MAX variants, we are offering our customers a comprehensive range of options to choose from, meeting specific needs and requirements of different businesses. Under the harsh heat and tiring conditions in India, modern customers look for comfort features that enhance productivity while reducing fatigue, even for their drivers. The D-Max with Air-Conditioning will be the perfect choice. On the other hand, the Cab-Chassis variant is a perfect partner that provides customers’ the flexibility to choose their load-body configuration and maximize value. This is an important development and an extension of our product offering in the pickup segment, enabling customers to ‘Go More, Do More and Get More’.”
Both the new variants can carry 1.2 tonnes of payload.
The Isuzu D-MAX vehicles’ cab area is constructed out of high-tensile steel that ensures greater safety for occupants. Suspension duties are handled by independent coil springs and rigid leaf springs at the front and rear, respectively. The Isuzu D-MAX comes with creature comforts such as tiltable power steering, power windows, central door-locking, day-night rearview mirror etc. Isuzu is expanding its dealer network and by 2016, will open 60 new outlets across India. This number shall go up to 160 within a five years. Isuzu Motors India is aiming for 100% localisation before 2020.